John Sherwood

Born in Oakville Ontario in 1961, raised in St. Catharines, John Sherwood
started his formal training at the age of five. John studied classical piano
up to the ARCT level, and also studied violin and trombone through the local
music programs available to public school students. During high school he
began transcribing piano solos from records to get some ideas for playing
jazz.

He joined a local jazz band which rehearsed weekly and got to know
most of the Niagara musicians, playing in various groups at local venues.
His Toronto debut was in 1987 where he was presented by Ted O'Reilly at the
Ontario Science Centre. Moe Koffman heard the broadcast tapes and booked
John to play at George's Jazz Room

The next break came when vibraphonist
Peter Appleyard needed a rhythm section over in Buffalo NY. The promoter
suggested John's trio and Mr. Appleyard reluctantly agreed, having never
heard them play.

This would be the beginning of a 25-year association with
Appleyard, who would introduce John to other Toronto musicians such as Ed
Bickert, Rick Wilkins, Terry Clarke and Neil Swainson, along with
world-renowned musicians such as Guido Basso, Rob McConnell, Jake Hanna and
Butch Miles.